Post by Charlie Allison on Aug 17, 2016 21:24:09 GMT
So, I wanted to hold a contest. Not one where anything was at stake, mind you. Those things make hella pressure. No, I wanted to see what this group of writers/madmen/illustrators/programmers could do if we had a common theme to explore (or themes, plural). In this case, the theme would be the vaunted and much re-told 'Deal with the Devil' archetypal story--where someone makes a deal with a far greater power for temporary gain and long term loss, or manages to avoid consequences from said deal being the most common outcomes. Think The Tragical Historie of Dr. Faustus. Or any number of retellings in folklore, animations etc.
What struck me about this is despite it being such an old trope, it's still fertile, narrative-wise. There are still so many ways one can go with a diabolic compact/contract/handshake. There are so many ways to play it straight, subvert it, tie it into knots. So I'm dipping my big toe into the deep end, and seeing if anyone else wants to go swimming too..
Rules:
- Under 4,000 words. This means, practically speaking, under about fifteen pages, assuming double-spaced twelve point font. This type of story lends itself well to brevity.
- It doesn't have to involve a literal devil (although we certainly don't rule them out!). Aliens, time-travellers, djinni, rakshasa, even just dangerous muggles (taking a loan from a mob-boss or a government wet-works crew can easily be as hazardous to your health as involving the supernatural) can be used in the 'devil' role. Feel free to get creative, or make creatures and mythos's of your own. As long as there is a vast power differential at first between the conflicting characters.
- Any tone is fine. This story can be a tragedy, a comedy, a dramadey, a parody, what have you. Just as long as you make the story interesting and largely in keeping with the theme set out above.
-When you're done the first draft of your story, make a new thread in this section and post it for instant feedback!
References (and resources--for inspiration!):
will.tip.dhappy.org/projects/unsorted/project/media/text/Robert%20Bloch%20-%20That%20Hell-Bound%20Train.html This short story by Robert Bloch, 'The Hellbound Train' managed to win a Hugo award--presumably for it's tongue in-cheek style, elegant presentation and excellent use of wham-lines. Well worth a read--shouldn't take more than fifteen minutes to do so. Examines the mentality of greed, fear, and hope that comes from striking a deal with the devil.
tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DealWithTheDevil A good resource from the all-devouring hivemind of the internet to get you started on legends, variations and interpretations of a bargain.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9RM4HwwoKs 'The River King'. Those of you familiar with League of Legends might recognize this water demon and his crafty bargains. Still checks all the major boxes for 'Deal with the Devil' tropes--but on the more tragic rather than whimsical side, in contrast to 'That Hellbound Train's more comical aspects.
See you soon,
Charlie
